WOMEN with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy faced considerable postpartum cardiovascular risk, with almost one-third meeting diagnostic criteria for arterial hypertension and 8% diagnosed with chronic kidney disease 12 months after delivery, according to findings from the PreCareFem Cohort.
The prospective observational study investigated cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic health following preeclampsia and gestational hypertension, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring beyond pregnancy. The findings demonstrated that women remained vulnerable to several health complications during the first year postpartum, supporting the need for more structured preventive care.
Assessing Postpartum Cardiovascular Risk
Conducted at the University Hospital St. Pölten, Austria, the single-centre study enrolled 91 women between June 2023 and March 2025. Participants included 66 women with preeclampsia and 25 with gestational hypertension.
Researchers assessed cardiovascular and metabolic health during the peripartum period and at 3–6 and 12 months postpartum. Evaluations included automated blood pressure measurements, anthropometric assessments, kidney and metabolic parameters, lifestyle factors based on the Life’s Essential 8 components, and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratios.
The investigation aimed to better understand early postpartum changes in cardiovascular and metabolic health, addressing gaps in knowledge surrounding recovery and longer-term disease risk following hypertensive pregnancy complications.
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Abnormalities Persisted
At 12 months postpartum, 31% of participants met the diagnostic criteria for arterial hypertension. This included 29% of women with preeclampsia and 36% of those with gestational hypertension.
Metabolic abnormalities were also identified. Prediabetes affected 18% of participants, while 3% were diagnosed with diabetes. Furthermore, 52% had low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels above 100 mg/dL, and 32% had low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Obesity was diagnosed in 24% of women.
Kidney health findings were similarly concerning, with 8% of participants diagnosed with chronic kidney disease at 12 months. Low-grade albuminuria, defined as a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio of 10–30 mg/g, was observed in 21% of women with preeclampsia, compared with 8% of those with gestational hypertension.
Strengthening Long-Term Preventive Care
The findings highlighted the substantial burden of cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic abnormalities among women following hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
The researchers emphasised that the postpartum period represented an important opportunity to identify emerging health concerns and support early intervention. Structured, multidisciplinary follow-up could help address these risks through continued assessment of blood pressure, kidney function, metabolic health, and lifestyle factors.
Overall, the study reinforced the importance of recognising hypertensive disorders of pregnancy as indicators of potential future cardiovascular and kidney disease risk. Improved postpartum surveillance may provide an important opportunity to support women’s long-term health and strengthen preventive healthcare strategies.
Reference
Findl K et al. Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic outcomes in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy at 12 months postpartum. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2026;DOI:10.1007/s00508-026-02843-4.
